Mahamba Gorge

Mahamba Gorge sits on Eswatini's southwestern edge where the Mkhondvo river cuts through the hills, with cliffs on both sides and a lodge and campsite on the floor of it. Walking trails run up onto the ridges and the rock faces are used for climbing and abseiling. The country's oldest Methodist church, founded in the 1840s, stands nearby and the ruins of its stone building survive. The border post itself is a short way down the road and the gorge sits almost on the line.

What you actually see

• The cliffs - rock faces on both sides of the river cut.
• The ridge trails - paths climbing out of the gorge onto the tops.
• The climbing - the faces used for roped routes and abseiling.
• The old church - the ruins of the country's first Methodist mission from the 1840s.

When to go

April to September is drier and cooler for walking. Summer brings heavy afternoon rain. The river is highest after summer storms.

Honest expectations

Facilities are a basic lodge and campsite. Climbing equipment must be brought or arranged in advance. The gravel road in is rough after rain.

Nearby

Nhlangano is east, and the Usutu Forest is north.